The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from coercive action to Ruchi Veera, the Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Moradabad, in connection with a case filed against her for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
No Coercive Steps Against Veera & Co-Accused
Justice Samit Gopal, hearing the petition filed by Veera, directed that no coercive measures be taken against her or co-accused Umakant Gupta until the next hearing.
“Till the next date of listing, no coercive action shall be taken against the applicants Smt. Ruchi Veera and Shri Umakant Gupta in case of 2024, pending in the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division)/MP, MLA Court, Moradabad,” the court stated in its order.
Allegation Of Campaigning Without Permission
The FIR against Veera was registered for allegedly holding a gathering at a private residence during the 2024 general election campaign without the requisite permission from authorities. She has been booked under Sections 188 (disobedience of an order issued by a public servant) and 171-H (illegal payments in relation to elections) of the Indian Penal Code.
The complaint forms part of the broader enforcement of the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, which is meant to ensure free and fair elections by regulating political activity during the election period.
Reference To A Similar Case
During the hearing, Veera’s counsel pointed to a precedent in the case of Pradeep Kumar Chaudhary vs. State of UP. An order dated August 22, 2024, had been passed in that matter, offering interim protection under similar circumstances. The advocate argued that Veera’s case bore close resemblance and should be similarly treated.
The counsel requested that her petition be tagged with earlier cases involving similar charges and be heard accordingly. Based on this submission, the High Court deemed it appropriate to extend interim protection.
State Opposes, Court Grants Relief
The state government counsel opposed the plea, resisting the request for interim relief. However, the court took note of the similarities in the legal grounds between Veera’s case and previously adjudicated matters and decided in favor of granting temporary protection.
The case will now be taken up for further hearing on the next scheduled date. Until then, Ruchi Veera and co-accused Umakant Gupta will not face arrest or any other coercive steps from the police in this matter.
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